From the almost imperceptible single low note of the basses at the beginning to the triumphant blazing fanfare from the entire orchestra as the gods enter Valhalla at the end—there is nothing like this opening chapter of the Ring in all opera. It’s an enthralling tale of gods, giants, dwarves, treasure, and the curse that will haunt the entire world. Under James Levine’s impassioned direction the Met orchestra revels in Wagner’s colorful and dramatic music. The sumptuous cast is headed by James Morris as a golden-voiced, majestic Wotan and Ekkehard Wlaschiha as his malevolent nemesis, Alberich.

Returning for the holidays, this season's family entertainingment is richard Jone' witty production of Humperdinck's fairy-tale opera, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, in whcih two children facre against a wicked witch.